Research into relationships among government, society and technology has grown substantially over the past 30 years. However, most research and most advances in practice address narrowly defined categories of concern such as government organization, citizen services, interoperability, or personal privacy. By contrast, the future presents complex…

This paper explores whether the Canadian legislative protections in place to safeguard medical privacy meet the expectations of Canadians. An overview of current governance systems designed to protect the privacy of personal health information at both the federal and provincial levels is first presented. This is followed by an empirical analysis…

Considers the advent of surveillance societies--(i.e.,) societies where integrated surveillance of individuals is possible through various automated databases--with examples drawn from Canada and Sweden. Legislative efforts to regulate such developments and the role of data protection agencies are discussed. (13 references) (MES)

The increased use of computer matching to detect fraud and abuse in government programs has led to concerns for the privacy of personal information. Reviews the use of matching programs and regulations in Canada, the United States, and the European Community, and suggests policy changes. (80 references) (LAE)

Discussion of individual rights and privacy in Japan focuses on the Privacy Protection Act, which acknowledges the threat posed by government databases to the individual's right of privacy. Characteristics of the Japanese legal system are described, origins of privacy in Japanese law are examined, and privacy and government databases are…

Discusses implications of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, antiterrorism legislation that was passed after the September 11 attacks, regarding privacy issues. Highlights include information privacy; privacy and government, including increases in the surveillance powers of government; privacy and the private sector; and future possibilities. (Author/LRW)

Discusses origins of Transborder Data Flows (TDFs) as an international problem in the early 1970s. Shows how technological development in telecommunications and networks has made regulation more complex and urgent. Recommends the internationalization of the Key Escrowed Encryption System (KEES) and the development of broad international TDF…

Reviews policy issues surrounding decisions by governments to make available or to withhold information from government files that can be linked to identifiable individuals. Outlines the debate over access to public records, identifies policies that impact on disclosure decisions, and discusses options and approaches to address access and privacy…

These six articles related to government information policies in New Zealand cover topics including policy reform, legislation, the office of privacy commissioner, organizing statistics, the restructuring of the National Archives of New Zealand, and the policy role of the national library. (BEW)

Asserts that the federal government should adopt a centralized governmental structure for the privacy protection of personal information and data. Discusses the roles of federal law, federal agencies, and the judiciary; the concept of information privacy; the impact of current technologies; and models of centralized government structures for…

This comparison of freedom of information legislation in Canada and the United States focuses on the concern evident in both to protect personal privacy. Specific criteria for achieving a balance between access and privacy are articulated. (CLB)

Examines the standards process used for developing the Escrowed Encryption Standard (EES) and its possible impact on national communication and information policies. Discusses the balance between national security and law enforcement concerns versus privacy rights and economic competitiveness in the area of foreign trade and export controls. (67…

Discusses guidelines adopted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that pertain to privacy protection and the transborder flows of personal data. Discussion covers principles of fair information practice on the national and international levels, approaches to implementing the guidelines, and common public and private…

Includes five articles covering privacy issues surrounding the use of government data by the private commercial sector to profile individuals or households for marketing purposes. The creation of a privacy protection commission, Bureau of the Census measures to protect privacy, and the need for legislation, regulation, and enforcement are…

Examines developments in information technology that might endanger individual privacy and legislative responses to these threats by the English-speaking democracies, i.e., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Guidelines for the responsible use of information technologies are proposed. (CLB)